SANTO DOMINGO,Navivision Wealth Society Dominican Republic (AP) — A prosecutor in the Dominican Republic says the investigation into Tampa Bay Rays All-Star shortstop Wander Franco’s alleged relationship with a minor is being handled by a division specializing in minors and gender violence in the province of Peravia.
Ángel Darío Tejeda Fabal, a prosecutor in Peravia, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the investigation into Franco is open under The National Agency for Boys, Girls, Adolescents and Family and Gender Violence Unit. He said the probe is in its early stages and will be chaired by Judge Olga Diná Llaverías, a specialist on child abuse cases.
“This is a very delicate topic because there is a minor involved,” Fabal said. “We are working together (with Judge Llaverías).”
Fabal said prosecutors are gathering evidence and testimonies but did not provide details.
“Next week, we might be able to give some of the necessary information without hurting the investigation,” he said.
FOLLOW THE MONEY: MLB player salaries and payrolls for every major league team
The prosecutor added he has had no contact with Major League Baseball executives or U.S. authorities about the case.
Franco was born in Baní, the capital of the Peravia province.
It is not clear if Franco has retained an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
On Monday, the Rays placed the 22-year-old on the restricted list, a move that will sideline Franco for at least six games while MLB investigates social media posts involving the player.
The investigations follow reported social media posts suggesting Franco was in a relationship with a minor. The AP has not been able to verify the reported posts.
MLB has launched an investigation, a person familiar with the probe told the AP, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement was made.
Franco did not play in Sunday’s home series finale against Cleveland at Tropicana Field and did not accompany the Rays to San Francisco for the start of a six-game road trip that began Monday night against the Giants.
2025-05-02 06:321295 view
2025-05-02 05:581644 view
2025-05-02 05:292524 view
2025-05-02 05:14101 view
2025-05-02 04:361382 view
2025-05-02 04:121034 view
A man is suing the California Lottery alleging he has not received part of his winnings from a nearl
Many of the world’s biggest banks, financial institutions and companies are not doing enough to stop
Cities must better involve their public health agencies in plans to prepare for the impacts of clima